Panola College


Correa and Godoi block a TVCC attack. (Photo Credit: Denise Rabius)

October 8, 2018 - With aggressive serving and a balanced attack, the 16th-ranked Panola College Fillies defeated #6 Trinity Valley Wednesday night in Athens in 4 sets (17-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-19).

Sophomore Daphinie Correa was a force offensively with 12 kills hitting .526. The trio of Sabrina de Lima, Rebecca Rabius, and MiKayla Ware added 8 kills apiece, with Alyssa Lozoya adding 6 of her own. Sophomore setter Molly Harris dished out 20 assists and freshman Bri McGown added 16 assists with 9 digs.

Ware also came up big defensively for the Fillies by notching 15 digs, and Hannah Ramirez picked up 14 digs in the win. 

"Just as expected, Region XIV North has been another tight battle of four very talented teams so far," Head Coach Amber McCray said. "This was a critical road victory to put us back in the hunt, and we know we can compete when we show the balance that we did this match." 

Panola is now 16-4 overall and 2-2 in Region XIV zone play. They will return to action Saturday in a home tri-match against Cedar Valley College at 12 pm and Region XIV south opponent Wharton County CC at 4 pm.

October 8, 2018 - Panola College Volleyball hosted Cedar Valley College and Wharton County Junior College Saturday, finishing with a sweep of both opponents.

In their first match of the day, Panola took down Cedar Valley (25-13, 25-16, 25-20) with one of their most efficient hitting performances of the season at .343. Freshman MiKayla Ware led the offense with 9 kills on .471 hitting, Alyssa Lozoya pounded out 8 kills, and Sabrina de Lima added 7 of her own. Molly Harris dished out 22 assists with Bri McGown adding 17. Defensively, freshman Hannah Floyd led with 15 digs, Ware added 8, and Harris chipped in 7.

Panola picked up the victory over Wharton County (25-17, 25-19, 25-15) capitalizing on a balanced attack that boasted 6 Fillies with 6 or more kills. Thaynara Godoi and MiKayla Ware led with 8 kills each, the trio of Daphinie Correa, Alyssa Lozoya, and Rebecca Rabius added 7 apiece, and Sabrina de Lima chipped in 6. Molly Harris dished out 19 assists with 5 digs while Bri McGown added 17 assists with 8 digs. Ware was a stud defensively as well, leading with 14 digs followed by 11 from Hannah Floyd. 

Head Coach Amber McCray is pleased with both the balance and growth the Fillies showed this weekend . 

"Both opponents made huge defensive plays on some of our biggest swings that would have been major momentum killers for us in the past," she commented. "But this time we countered with several big plays of our own and then fed off of that to seal the wins."

Panola is now 18-4 and will return to action in Region XIV zone play Wednesday when they travel to #13 Tyler Junior College.

Photo: Fillies celebrate a point Saturday (Photo Credit Denise Rabius)

October 3, 2018 - The Panola College Rodeo Team was back in action September 28th and 29th at Bar None Cowboy Church in Tatum, Texas. The Ponies and Fillies had a great rodeo and we want to thank everyone that came out to watch. Here are some of the athletes who represented Panola well.

Travis Chapman, sophomore from Woodville, Texas, cleaned up in the bareback riding with an 83-point ride. Travis is a young man who finished fourth in the Nation in the 2017 NIRA standings. Chapman has big goals to return to the CNFR this season and bring home a gold buckle. Coach Collins says, “Travis is a scrappy young man, very athletic, and has lots of will power to win. I will expect him to be a team leader and carry a heavy load for this team this season.”

Ross Freeman, Bull Rider from Kountze, Texas, made a great ride for 81 points and a second place finish. Ross went to a lot of rodeos this Summer and has matured into a very physical and mental athlete. “Ross is going to be a great asset to our team and is definitely going to be someone for us to watch in the future of Pro Rodeo,” says Coach Collins.

Seth Rustin, freshman criminal justice major, won 3rd place in the Bull Riding event with a 76-point ride. Seth has been riding well in practice and working on little things to help make his rides way more successful. Seth is eager to work and takes care of business well, be looking for his name a lot here this season.

Maison Davis, freshman from Kilgore, Texas placed 5th in the barrel racing event with a 17.280. Maison is a three event cowgirl with a hard driven determination, great attitude, and a burning desire to win. Maison’s other two events breakaway and goat tying will be something to be watching for in the future.

Jackson Williams, Steer Wrestler from Greenbrier, Arkansas, laid his steer down in 6.8 seconds for a sixth place finish. The cattle were big and rank and Williams weighing in at 145 seemed to be a David and Goliath match up. Jackson was up for the task and will be at the upcoming rodeos as well.

Campbell Grover, sophomore from Purvis, Mississippi ran the clover leaf pattern in 17.320 seconds for an 8th place finish. Her and her horse P have been working hard and beginning to reap the rewards of their labor. P is just a five-year-old that Campbell started in the barrel racing event last year, P really blew up and grew some over the Summer making her a top horse in the Southern Region.

Macon Murphy, freshman from Kechi, Louisiana, teamed up with his heeler, Logan Fontenot to tie one up in 7.4 seconds for an 8th place finish. Macon is a two event hand working both the Calf Roping and Team Roping events equally as well. Coach Collins says, “Macon has a great attitude, he loves the sport, and works relentlessly to achieve his goals. This kid’s future is very big and bright in the sport of rodeo.”

Panola College Ponies Men’s Team ended up with a 4th place finish while the Fillies ended up with a 7th place finish.

Panola College Rodeo Team will travel to Uvalde, Texas October 5th and 6th for the second NIRA Southern Region Rodeo.

September 25, 2018 - Members of the Panola College Chorale performed with choirs from the Ark-La-Tex area and the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, Sept. 16, at First Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. 

Presented by YouthCUE, “Look at the World: Timeless Music, Ageless Beauty” was an incredible two-hour musical extravaganza. The 225-voice mass choir consisted of singers from Panola College, East Texas Baptist University, Southern Arkansas University, San Antonio Youth Chorale, First Baptist Church and Broadmoor Presbyterian Church. The group was directed by YouthCUE founder, Randy Edwards. The program included a poem performed by Angelique Feaster Evans and several musical selections performed by soloist Jonathan Burton, as well as the Shreveport Symphony. 

The concert was an awareness-builder and fundraiser for Volunteers of America in North Louisiana. YouthCUE presented the VOA with a donation check for $10,000 and the performers also presented a check for $2,156.78. 

Panola students rehearsed more than 20 hours outside of class before attending mass choir rehearsals in Shreveport on September 15 and 16. Sydnee Taylor, a Panola College music student said, “Rehearsals were every day and they were very long, but it was so much fun to hear our group get better each day. The songs were powerful and the performance made every rehearsal completely worth it. I hope everyone gets to experience something like this one day -- a sense of fullness and being a part of something much bigger than yourself.”

“The performance was inspiring and uplifting to the listening audience,” said Sandra Bauer, Panola College music professor and director of choral activities. Bauer is serving as president of the Texas Two-Year College Choral Directors Association this year.

Panola College music students performing in the concert included Sydnee Taylor, Carthage; Dakota Brown, Marshall; Lucy Eke, Lagos, Nigeria; Hunter Moon, Beckville; Whitney Ramsey, Center; Maggie Sims, Center; Pamela Painter, Marshall; Loren Caserta, Beckville; Aaron Tello, Center; Emma Harden, Bullard; Afrikina Dotson, Center; Carrie Lilly, New Caney; Toluwani Ayodele, Lagos, Nigeria; Victor Chinaka, Lagos, Nigeria; Funminiyi Alabi, Loma Linda, California, and Kacia Johnson, Tatum.

Several Panola College Chorale Alumni as well as Mia Sartor and Panola College Band Director Dwaine Hubbard also performed with the group. Panola music student Emma Harden, said, “It was great to meet new people and see Panola graduates that I haven’t seen in a while. I am very thankful that I was able to be a part of this amazing event, and I will remember it for years to come.”

Bauer said, “I am very thankful that we were invited to participate in this event. Our students took pride in their preparation and performance. They represented Panola College and our community very well. It was also very humbling to see so many community members supporting our singers at the concert.”

Panola music student, Kacia Johnson said, “During the performance I was extremely emotional. I had tears falling down my face during the last song because it was so powerful. Every voice and every instrument came together to create such raw emotion. If given the chance to do this again, I definitely would, 100 percent. It was an amazing experience.”

Daphinie Correa and Riley Seegers block against Polk State. Photo Credit Kraig Cain

September 23, 2018 - Panola College Volleyball improved to 15-4 overall after a two-stop trip to Dallas with a 4-set win over Brookhaven College (25-23, 22-25, 25-18, 25-22) and a sweep of North Lake College (25-19, 25-11, 25-16). 

Panola was led offensively against Brookhaven by Rebecca Rabius who tallied 13 kills, while Carol Santana and MiKayla Ware added 8 apiece. Molly Harris and Bri McGown dished out 22 and 19 assists, respectively. At the net, Thaynara Godoi, Alyssa Lozoya, and Sabrina de Lima picked up 2 block assists each. Hannah Ramirez racked up a season-high 27 digs with Ware adding 15 of her own.

The Fillies then swept North Lake College with a balanced attack led again by Rabius with 10 kills, Riley Seegers added 8, and MiKayla Ware chipped in 7. Bri McGown and Molly Harris dished out 19 and 16 assists each, and the pair was 2 digs short of notching a double-double with 8 digs apiece. Seegers was also a force at the net assisting in 4 blocks, and Hannah Ramirez again led the floor with 15 digs.

The Fillies will return to action October 3rd to begin round 2 of Region XIV-North play at Trinity Valley.


Hannah Ramirez passes a ball in serve receive. (Photo Credit: Kraig Cain)

September 21, 2018 - The Panola College Fillies had their chances Wednesday night in a key match-up with 6th-Ranked Navarro, but fell short in 4 sets (20-25, 25-20, 25-27, 25-10).

Offensively, Thaynara Godoi led with 12 kills hitting a stellar .607, while Sabrina de Lima and Daphinie Correa followed with 9 each. Molly Harris dished out 23 assists and Bri McGown added 16.

At the net, Alyssa Lozoya finished the night with 3 block assists and de Lima chipped in 2. Three Fillies finished with double-digit digs including Hannah Ramirez who led with 18, and Harris and Carol Santana who each added 12.

"Navarro is a talented team playing with a ton of confidence right now, and we knew in order to win on the road in such a tough atmosphere we were going to need to play a complete match," said Head Coach Amber McCray. "We put ourselves in position to have a shot, but ultimately we did not execute when it mattered most." 

The Fillies will return to action this weekend as they travel to Brookhaven and Northlake College for matches at 11am and 4pm.


From left: Dr. Billy Adams, Jeremy Haken, Greg Powell, Kim Smith, Natalie Oswalt, and Daniel Hall

September 21, 2018 - On September 18, 2018, Jeremy Haken, Chevron PGPA Advisor, and Kim Smith, Operations Assistant, presented Dr. Greg Powell, President of Panola College, and Mrs. Natalie Oswalt, Dean of Arts, Sciences, and Technology, with a $20,000 donation for Panola College’s School of Energy.

“Chevron continues to be a wonderful supporter of our energy program at Panola College. This is a program we believe has greatly benefited from our mutual partnership, and we hope to continue to work together for the benefit of our students,” said Mrs. Oswalt.

September 20, 2018 - On Wednesday, September 19th, the 2018-2019 Panola College Foundation Board gathered in the Frances B. Ross Ballroom to conduct a quarterly business meeting.

The Board welcomed four new members this year, Tracy and Robbie Shoults from Harrison County and Sandra Payne and Steve Williams from Panola County. Afterwards, the Board discussed their fall fundraiser, Designer Purse Bingo. This will be the Foundation’s 5th Designer Purse Bingo, and the October 20 event is already sold out. The funds raised from this event every year support student scholarships and program grants at Panola College.

The Panola College Foundation was formed to support and promote the mission and vision of Panola College, to seek and obtain gifts for the advancement of Panola College, and to assist the students of Panola College by providing fellowships and scholarships. In addition, the Foundation also seeks to increase community awareness of the programs and accomplishments of the College and to promote excellence in education.


This year’s Board members are (L to R) Troy Caserta, Sharon Ivey, Tracy Shoults, Kathleen Kruebbe, Robbie Shoults, Sonya Brasher, Pat Browning, Carolyn Murphy, Sandra Payne, Ray Schieffer, John Ray - Chair, Steve Williams, Bobby Phillips, Greg Powell, Vicky Hudson, Patricia Smith – Secretary, and Ginger Borders. (Not shown: Will Lucas, Jonathan Perlman, Robert Sherman – Vice Chair, and Jessica Pace)

September 18, 2018 - Panola College is the host of the first Southern Region Rodeo of the year on September 28 - 29 at Bar None Cowboy Church Arena in Tatum, TX. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and the slack will begin Friday and Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Tickets are $5 at the gate and all kids under 12 years old get in free.

Over 400 cowboys and cowgirls will be competing in saddlebronc, bareback riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, bull riding, goat tying, barrels, and breakaway calf roping. The Southern Region consist of the following schools listed in order they finished last year: Hill College, McNeese State University, Panola College, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Northeast Texas C. C., Wharton County Jr. College, Texas A &M University-Commerce, Trinity Valley C. C., Southwest Texas Jr. College, Louisiana State University-Alexandria, and Stephen F. Austin State University.

Don't miss the action and opportunity to see some of the top rodeo hands in the world compete!

September 17,  2018 - Looking for a good play to watch? Love Alfred Hitchcock movies? Panola College’s theatre will present the hilarious stage adaptation of “The 39 Steps” as the dinner theatre performance Friday through Sunday, September 22 to September 24. Doors open for dinner theatre at 5:30 p.m. and the curtain will rise at 7 p.m. The play is produced by special permission from Samuel French, Inc.

Based on Alfred Hitchcock’s first big hit, “The 39 Steps,” the play is a Hitchcock masterpiece with a dash of Monty Python, to create a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre. Richard Hanney, the disillusioned hero finds himself framed for murder and the target of a nationwide manhunt. In an effort to clear his name, and save the country, his journey takes him on a mad dash through Scotland and England as he tangles with police, killers, spies, chases, and, of course, beautiful women.

Starring in Panola College’s production as Richard Hannye: Shelby Watson, Leon; Pamela: Jasmine Ryan, Martinsville; Annabella Schmidt: Sarah Owens, Mt. Enterprise; Mr. Memory/Crofter/Mr. McGarrigle: Justin Gonzales, Rains; Compere: Christian Kotara, Spurger; Heavy 1/Salesman 1/Policeman 1: Keath Kibbey, Huntington; Heavy 2/Salesman 2/Policeman 2: Peyton Proffet, Center; Milkman/Porter/Train Police/Paperboy/Radio Announcer: Yancy Flores, Shelbyville; Mrs. Higgins: Angel Kammer, Kennard; Mrs. Dunwoody: Bethany Grove, Kennard; Professor Jordan: Tailer Chong, Rains; Margaret: Hannah Williams, Gary; Mrs. Jordan/Mrs. McGarrigle: Abigail Parish, Chireno; Pilot 1/Sherriff/McQuarrie: Dustin Bennett, Tenaha; Pilot 2/Chief Inspector Albright: Cody Osburn, Center; The Scottish Band/Old Man: Freeman Thomas, Carthage.

Heading up the crew is Assistant Director: Kyree Williams, Hillsboro; Stage Manager: Maelbi Caledron, Seagoville and Nathaniel Endsley, Huntington; Production Manager; Lighting Design: Kassandra Escobar, Centerville; Lighting Technician: Brenton Humphries, Gary; Costume Design: Laci Sepulvado, Mt. Enterprise; Assistant Costumers, Properties: Emily Robinson, Martinsville; Assistant Stage Manager: Maria Majai, Mt. Enterprise; Running Crew: Chailey Norton, Mt. Enterprise; Kassidy Weatherford, Gary; Catalin K, Mt.Enterprise.

The dinner theatre production is the annual fundraiser for the Panola College Theatre Department. This year’s menu includes Italian lasagna, sautéed green beans, salad, bread, chocolate mousse, coffee, tea, and water. Ticket prices are $40 for adults, $35 for Panola College students, $25 for senior citizens, and $20 for children under 12.

Tickets for Sunday dessert matinee are $20 for adults, $15 for Panola College students, $12 for senior citizens, and $10 for children under 12.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call Karen King, 903-693-2064. Or, go to the Panola College website (www.panola.edu/) and click on the link for “Online Ticket Sales.”

The play is adapted by Patrick Barlow, from an original concept by Simon Corble & Nobby Dimon. The story is from the novel by John Buchan. The film was produced by Alfred Hitchcock.

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